Techniques for simulated physical interaction between users via their mobile computing devices

ABSTRACT

Computer-implemented techniques include receiving, at a first mobile computing device having one or more processors, a first input signal from a first set of pressure sensors associated with the first mobile computing device, the first input signal having been generated by the first set of pressure sensors in response to a first force applied by a first user. The techniques also include transmitting, from the first mobile computing device to a second mobile computing device, the first input signal, wherein receipt of the first input signal causes the second mobile computing device to generate and output a first output signal based on the first input signal, and wherein the output of the first output signal causes a first set of haptic actuators associated with the second mobile computing device to generate a second force to be felt by a second user.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to mobile computing devicesand, more particularly, to techniques for simulated physical interactionbetween users via their mobile computing devices.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Users can communicate via their mobile computing devices using audioand/or video mediums. Examples of conventional audio/video mediumsinclude speech, such as a telephone or voice call, images (text,emoticons, pictures, etc.), and pre-recorded or live videos. While alive video medium may provide for a most real or life-like interactionbetween the users, this and the other conventional audio/video mediumslack any physical connection between the users.

SUMMARY

A computer-implemented method is presented. The method includesreceiving, at a first mobile computing device having one or moreprocessors, a first input signal from a first set of pressure sensorsassociated with the first mobile computing device, the first inputsignal having been generated by the first set of pressure sensors inresponse to a first force applied by a first user, and transmitting,from the first mobile computing device to a second mobile computingdevice, the first input signal, wherein receipt of the first inputsignal causes the second mobile computing device to generate and outputa first output signal based on the first input signal, and wherein theoutput of the first output signal causes a first set of haptic actuatorsassociated with the second mobile computing device to generate a secondforce to be felt by a second user.

A first mobile computing device having one or more processors configuredto perform operations is also presented. The operations can includereceiving a first input signal from a first set of pressure sensorsassociated with the first mobile computing device, the first inputsignal having been generated by the first set of pressure sensors inresponse to a first force applied by a first user, and transmitting, toa second mobile computing device, the first input signal, whereinreceipt of the first input signal causes the second mobile computingdevice to generate and output a first output signal based on the firstinput signal, and wherein the output of the first output signal causes afirst set of haptic actuators associated with the second mobilecomputing device to generate a second force to be felt by a second user.

A non-transitory, computer-readable medium having instructions storedthereon is also presented. When executed by one or more processors of afirst mobile computing device, the instructions cause the first mobilecomputing device to perform operations including receiving a first inputsignal from a first set of pressure sensors associated with the firstmobile computing device, the first input signal having been generated bythe first set of pressure sensors in response to a first force appliedby a first user, and transmitting, to a second mobile computing device,the first input signal, wherein receipt of the first input signal causesthe second mobile computing device to generate and output a first outputsignal based on the first input signal, and wherein the output of thefirst output signal causes a first set of haptic actuators associatedwith the second mobile computing device to generate a second force to befelt by a second user.

In some implementations, the first set of pressure sensors comprises oneor more external, standalone pressure sensors configured to: (i) receivea squeeze input from the first user, and (ii) generate the first inputsignal in response to the squeeze input, wherein the one or moreexternal standalone pressure sensors are configured to communicate withthe first mobile computing device via a short-range wirelesscommunication medium.

In some implementations, the first set of pressure sensors comprises aset of integrated pressure sensors that are either (i) attached anexterior surface of the first mobile computing device or (ii) integratedin the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device, and are(a) each configured to receive a squeeze input from the first user and(b) collectively configured to generate the input signal in response tothe squeeze input. In some implementations, the set of integratedpressure sensors comprise a plurality of integrated pressure sensorsarranged about the exterior surface of the first mobile computingdevice.

In some implementations, the first set of actuators comprises a set ofvibrators integrated in the second mobile device. In someimplementations, the first set of actuators comprises a set of actuatorscomprises one or more piezoelectric actuators separate from a set ofvibrators integrated in the second mobile device.

In some implementations, the operations further comprise: receiving, atthe first mobile computing device from the second mobile computingdevice, a second input signal, the second input signal having beenreceived at the second mobile computing device from a second set ofpressure sensors associated with the second mobile computing device inresponse to a third force applied by the second user, generating, at thefirst mobile computing device, a second output signal based on thesecond input signal, and outputting, from the first mobile computingdevice to a second set of haptic actuators associated with the firstmobile computing device, the second output signal, wherein the output ofthe second output signal causes the second set of haptic actuators togenerate a fourth force to be felt by the first user.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples areintended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limitthe scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example computing network including examplemobile computing devices according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2B are functional block diagrams of the example mobilecomputing devices of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example technique for simulated physicalinteraction between users via their mobile computing devices accordingto some implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As previously mentioned, conventional audio/video communication mediumslack any physical connection between the users. Accordingly, techniquesfor simulated physical interaction between users via their mobilecomputing devices are presented. The techniques utilize pressure sensorsand haptic actuators of the users' mobile computing devices to sensepressure at one of the mobile computing devices and output acorresponding haptic output at the other mobile computing device,thereby simulating a physical interaction between the users. In oneimplementation, the users are each holding their mobile computing device(and, in some implementations, an external pressure sensor and/or hapticactuator) in their hand(s) and the simulated interaction is simulatedhand holding. These techniques can be safer for users on the move (e.g.,texting or video chatting while walking). The techniques can alsoprovide for a more discrete or private interaction between the users inpublic places compared to other mediums such as a real-time videosession. While simulated hand holding is discussed in detail herein, itshould be appreciated that these techniques could be applied to simulateother physical interactions between the users. For example, one of theusers could position their mobile computing device in anotherappropriate location, such as their head, shoulder, or back, to simulatethe touch by the other user. For example only, the receiving user couldsecure their phone in a special pocket or receptacle in their clothing.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example computing network 100 isillustrated. The computing network 100 includes example first and secondmobile computing devices 104 a and 104 b, respectively (collectively“mobile computing devices 104”) that can communicate with each other viaa network 108. First and second users 112 a and 112 b, respectively(collectively “users 112”) can be associated with the first and secondmobile computing devices 104 a and 104 b, respectively. While pairs ofusers/mobile computing devices are illustrated, it should be appreciatedthat the techniques of the present disclosure could be applied to groupsof three or more users/mobile computing devices. Examples of the mobilecomputing devices 104 include mobile phones and tablet computers. In oneimplementation, the mobile computing devices 104 are handheld mobilecomputing devices (e.g., mobile phones) that can be gripped using asingle hand. The mobile computing devices 104 may also be incommunication with at least one server 116 via the network 108. Themobile computing devices 104 a, 104 b can also define first and secondexterior surfaces 120 a, 120 b, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 2a , a functional block diagram of the examplefirst mobile computing device 104 a is illustrated. The first mobilecomputing device 104 a can be associated with a first set of pressuresensors 204 a and a first set of haptic actuators 208 a. The firstmobile computing device 104 a can further include a first user interface212 a, a first processor 216 a, a first communication device 220 a, afirst memory 224 a, and, optionally, a first set of vibrators 228 a. Inone implementation, the first set of pressure sensors 204 a and/or thefirst set of haptic actuator 208 a are external, standalone devices incommunication with the first communication device 220 a via ashort-range wireless communication medium (Bluetooth, near fieldcommunication (NFC), etc.). This provides for greater customizationwithout requiring a manufacturer of the first mobile computing device104 a to integrate such devices. In another implementation, however, thefirst set of pressure sensors 204 a and/or the first set of hapticactuators 208 a are integrated in the first mobile computing device 104a (e.g., as part of the first user interface 212 a).

The first user interface 212 a includes components configured to receiveinput from and/or display information to the first user 112 a. Examplesof these components include a physical keyboard, physical buttons, and adisplay, such as a touch display. The first communication device 220 acan include any suitable components (e.g., a transceiver) configured forcommunication via the network 108. The first memory 224 a can be anysuitable storage medium (flash, hard disk, etc.) configured to storeinformation at the mobile computing device 104. The first processor 216a can control operation of the first mobile computing device 104 a,including, but not limited to, loading/executing an operating system ofthe first mobile computing device 104 a, controlling input/output viathe first user interface 212 a, the first set of pressure sensors 204 a,and the first set of haptic actuators 208 a, controlling communicationvia the first communication device 220 a, and controlling read/writeoperations at the first memory 224 a. The term “processor” as usedherein can refer to both a single processor and a plurality ofprocessors operating in a parallel or distributed architecture.

As previously discussed, the first mobile computing device 104 isconfigured to both receive input via the first set of pressure sensors204 a and generate output via the first set of haptic actuators 208 a tosimulate hand holding between the by the first user 112 a with thesecond user 112 b, or another suitable physical interaction between theusers 112. The first set of pressure sensors 204 a can be any suitablegrippable pressure sensor that the first user 112 a can grip with theirhand to apply a pressure. One example of a type of pressure sensor is acapacitive pressure sensor where capacitance changes based on a degreeof displacement or “squeeze.” In one embodiment, the first set ofpressure sensors 204 a are one or more external, standalone pressuresensors (e.g., a deformable ball sensor) that the first user 112 a cansqueeze. In another implementation, the first set of pressure sensors204 a can include a set of integrated pressures sensors attached to orintegrated in the exterior surface 120 a of the first mobile computingdevice 104 a, and the first user 112 a can squeeze the first mobilecomputing device 104 a to provide input to the first set of pressuresensors 204 a. For example only, the set of integrated pressure sensorsmay include a plurality of pressure sensors implemented about theexterior surface 120 a of the first mobile computing device 104 a. Inone implementation, the set of pressure sensors 204 a includes twopressure sensors attached to or integrated in the first mobile computingdevice 104 a along its two longer edges/sides.

In one implementation, the first set of haptic actuators 208 a includesthe first set of vibrators 228 a. The first set of vibrators 228 can beintegrated in the first mobile computing device 104 a and configured tovibrate the first mobile computing device 104 a. In someimplementations, this vibration is not localized. That is, the entirefirst mobile computing device 104 a vibrates. In another implementation,the first set of haptic actuators 208 a includes a set of piezoelectricactuators that are separate from the first set of vibrators 228 a. Thisset of piezoelectric actuators could be integrated in, partiallyintegrated in, or external/standalone from the first mobile computingdevice 104 a (e.g., communication via the short-range wirelesscommunication medium). For example, each piezoelectric actuator canreceive a variable current that alters its stiffness. In someimplementations, the piezoelectric actuators are configured to providelocalized haptic output to the first user 112 a, which may allow for amore realistic or life-like simulated interaction. Other suitabletypes/configurations of the haptic actuators 208 a could be implemented,such as a motor attached to a freely-moving element within the firstmobile computing device 104 a, as well as a movable body configured toextend/retract within a fixed degree from the external surface 228 a ofthe first mobile computing device 104 a.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the second mobile computing device 104 b canhave the same or similar configuration as the first mobile computingdevice 104 a. More particularly, a second set of pressure sensors 204 band a second set of haptic actuators 208 b may each have the same or adifferent configuration than the first set of pressure sensors 204 a andthe first set of haptic actuators 204 a, respectively. For example only,the first set of pressure sensors 204 a may include one or moreexternal, standalone pressure sensors whereas the second set of pressuresensors 204 b may include a plurality of integrated pressure sensorsarranged about the exterior surface 120 b. Additionally, for exampleonly, the first set of haptic actuators 208 a may include a set ofpiezoelectric actuators that are separate from one or more firstvibrators 228 a whereas the second set of haptic actuators 208 b mayinclude the one or more second vibrators 228 b. While the followingdiscussion is with respect to operations performed by the first mobilecomputing device 104 a, it should be appreciated that the followingoperations could be performed by the second mobile computing device 104b.

The first mobile computing device 104 a can receive a first input signalfrom the first set of pressure sensors 204 a. The first input signal canbe generated by the first set of pressure sensors 204 a in response to afirst force applied by the first user 112 a. For one or more external,standalone pressure sensors, the first user 112 a can provide a squeezeinput and the first set of pressure sensors 204 a can generate the inputsignal in response to the squeeze input. The first set of pressuresensors 204 a can then communicate the first input signal to the firstcommunication device 220 a of the first mobile computing device 104 avia a short-range wireless communication medium. Alternatively, for aset of integrated pressure sensors, each of the set of integratedpressure sensors 204 a can receive a squeeze input from the first user112 a and then collectively generate the first input signal in responseto the squeeze input. The first mobile computing device 104 a cantransmit, to the second mobile computing device 104 b, the first inputsignal. The receipt of the first input signal can cause the secondmobile computing 104 b device to generate and output a first outputsignal based on the first input signal. The output of the first outputsignal can cause the second set of haptic actuators 208 b associated togenerate a second force to be felt by the second user 112 b.

The first mobile computing device 104 a can also receive, from thesecond mobile computing device 104 b, a second input signal. The secondinput signal can be received at the second mobile computing device 104 bfrom the second set of pressure sensors 204 b in response to a thirdforce applied by the second user 112 b. The first mobile computingdevice 104 a can generate a second output signal based on the secondinput signal. For example, the second output signal may have a magnitudecorresponding to a magnitude of the second input signal. In this manner,the users 112 can feel the degree of force applied by each other. Thefirst mobile computing device 104 a can output, to the first set ofhaptic actuators 208 a, the second output signal. The output of thesecond output signal can cause the first set of haptic actuators 208 ato generate a fourth force to be felt by the first user 112 a. Thisprocess can repeat and the users 112 can continuously adjust the forcethey are applying while feeling the force applied by the other.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of an example technique 300 forsimulated physical interaction between the users 112 via their mobilecomputing devices 104 is illustrated. At 304, the first mobile computingdevice 104 a can receive a first input signal from the first set ofpressure sensors 204 a. The first input signal can be generated by thefirst set of pressure sensors 204 a in response to a force applied bythe first user 112 a. At 308, the first mobile computing device 104 acan transmit, to the second mobile computing device 104 b, the firstinput signal. The receipt of the first input signal can cause the secondmobile computing device 104 b to generate and output a first outputsignal based on the first input signal. For example, the first outputsignal may have a magnitude corresponding to a magnitude of the firstinput signal. The output of the first output signal can cause the secondset of haptic actuators 208 b to generate a second force to be felt bythe second user 112 b. The technique 300 can then end, return to 304, orproceed to 312.

At 312, the first mobile computing device 104 a can receive, from thesecond mobile computing device 104 b, a second input signal. The secondinput signal can be received at the second mobile computing device 104 bfrom the second set of pressure sensors 204 b associated with the secondmobile computing device 104 b in response to a third force applied bythe second user 112 b. At 316, the first mobile computing device 104 acan generate a second output signal based on the second input signal.For example, the second output signal may have a magnitude correspondingto a magnitude of the second input signal. At 320, the first mobilecomputing device 104 a can output the second output signal to the firstset of haptic actuators 208 a. The outputting of the second outputsignal can cause the first set of haptic actuators 208 a to generate afourth force to be felt by the first user 112 a. The technique 300 canthen end, return to 304, or return to 312.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known procedures,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and thereforespecify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps,processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed asnecessarily requiring their performance in the particular orderdiscussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order ofperformance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternativesteps may be employed.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

As used herein, the term module may refer to, be part of, or include: anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; acombinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); aprocessor or a distributed network of processors (shared, dedicated, orgrouped) and storage in networked clusters or datacenters that executescode or a process; other suitable components that provide the describedfunctionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as ina system-on-chip. The term module may also include memory (shared,dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the one or moreprocessors.

The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, byte-codeand/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions,classes, and/or objects. The term shared, as used above, means that someor all code from multiple modules may be executed using a single(shared) processor. In addition, some or all code from multiple modulesmay be stored by a single (shared) memory. The term group, as usedabove, means that some or all code from a single module may be executedusing a group of processors. In addition, some or all code from a singlemodule may be stored using a group of memories.

The techniques described herein may be implemented by one or morecomputer programs executed by one or more processors. The computerprograms include processor-executable instructions that are stored on anon-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programsmay also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of thenon-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory,magnetic storage, and optical storage.

Some portions of the above description present the techniques describedherein in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operationson information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations arethe means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to mosteffectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in theart. These operations, while described functionally or logically, areunderstood to be implemented by computer programs. Furthermore, it hasalso proven convenient at times to refer to these arrangements ofoperations as modules or by functional names, without loss ofgenerality.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the abovediscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system memories orregisters or other such information storage, transmission or displaydevices.

Certain aspects of the described techniques include process steps andinstructions described herein in the form of an algorithm. It should benoted that the described process steps and instructions could beembodied in software, firmware or hardware, and when embodied insoftware, could be downloaded to reside on and be operated fromdifferent platforms used by real time network operating systems.

The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on acomputer readable medium that can be accessed by the computer. Such acomputer program may be stored in a tangible computer readable storagemedium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk includingfloppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-onlymemories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs,magnetic or optical cards, application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), or any type of media suitable for storing electronicinstructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore,the computers referred to in the specification may include a singleprocessor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designsfor increased computing capability.

The algorithms and operations presented herein are not inherentlyrelated to any particular computer or other apparatus. Variousgeneral-purpose systems may also be used with programs in accordancewith the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct morespecialized apparatuses to perform the required method steps. Therequired structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent tothose of skill in the art, along with equivalent variations. Inaddition, the present disclosure is not described with reference to anyparticular programming language. It is appreciated that a variety ofprogramming languages may be used to implement the teachings of thepresent disclosure as described herein, and any references to specificlanguages are provided for disclosure of enablement and best mode of thepresent invention.

The present disclosure is well suited to a wide variety of computernetwork systems over numerous topologies. Within this field, theconfiguration and management of large networks comprise storage devicesand computers that are communicatively coupled to dissimilar computersand storage devices over a network, such as the Internet.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, at a first mobile computing device having one or more processors, a first input signal from a first set of pressure sensors associated with the first mobile computing device, the first input signal having been generated by the first set of pressure sensors in response to a first force applied by a first user; and transmitting, from the first mobile computing device to a second mobile computing device, the first input signal, wherein receipt of the first input signal causes the second mobile computing device to generate and output a first output signal based on the first input signal, and wherein the output of the first output signal causes a first set of haptic actuators associated with the second mobile computing device to generate a second force to be felt by a second user.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first set of pressure sensors comprises one or more external, standalone pressure sensors configured to: (i) receive a squeeze input from the first user, and (ii) generate the first input signal in response to the squeeze input, wherein the one or more external standalone pressure sensors are configured to communicate with the first mobile computing device via a short-range wireless communication medium.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first set of pressure sensors comprises a set of integrated pressure sensors that are either (i) attached an exterior surface of the first mobile computing device or (ii) integrated in the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device, and are (a) each configured to receive a squeeze input from the first user and (b) collectively configured to generate the input signal in response to the squeeze input.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the set of integrated pressure sensors comprise a plurality of integrated pressure sensors arranged about the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first set of actuators comprises a set of vibrators integrated in the second mobile device.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first set of actuators comprises a set of actuators comprises one or more piezoelectric actuators separate from a set of vibrators integrated in the second mobile device.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the first mobile computing device from the second mobile computing device, a second input signal, the second input signal having been received at the second mobile computing device from a second set of pressure sensors associated with the second mobile computing device in response to a third force applied by the second user; generating, at the first mobile computing device, a second output signal based on the second input signal; and outputting, from the first mobile computing device to a second set of haptic actuators associated with the first mobile computing device, the second output signal, wherein the output of the second output signal causes the second set of haptic actuators to generate a fourth force to be felt by the first user.
 8. A first mobile computing device having one or more processors configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first input signal from a first set of pressure sensors associated with the first mobile computing device, the first input signal having been generated by the first set of pressure sensors in response to a first force applied by a first user; and transmitting, to a second mobile computing device, the first input signal, wherein receipt of the first input signal causes the second mobile computing device to generate and output a first output signal based on the first input signal, and wherein the output of the first output signal causes a first set of haptic actuators associated with the second mobile computing device to generate a second force to be felt by a second user.
 9. The first mobile computing device of claim 8, wherein the first set of pressure sensors comprises one or more external, standalone pressure sensors configured to: (i) receive a squeeze input from the first user, and (ii) generate the first input signal in response to the squeeze input, wherein the one or more external standalone pressure sensors are configured to communicate with the first mobile computing device via a short-range wireless communication medium.
 10. The first mobile computing device of claim 8, wherein the first set of pressure sensors comprises a set of integrated pressure sensors that are either (i) attached an exterior surface of the first mobile computing device or (ii) integrated in the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device, and are (a) each configured to receive a squeeze input from the first user and (b) collectively configured to generate the input signal in response to the squeeze input.
 11. The first mobile computing device of claim 10, wherein the set of integrated pressure sensors comprise a plurality of integrated pressure sensors arranged about the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device.
 12. The first mobile computing device of claim 8, wherein the first set of actuators comprises a set of vibrators integrated in the second mobile device.
 13. The first mobile computing device of claim 8, wherein the first set of actuators comprises a set of actuators comprises one or more piezoelectric actuators separate from a set of vibrators integrated in the second mobile device.
 14. The first mobile computing device of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, from the second mobile computing device, a second input signal, the second input signal having been received at the second mobile computing device from a second set of pressure sensors associated with the second mobile computing device in response to a third force applied by the second user; generating a second output signal based on the second input signal; and outputting, to a second set of haptic actuators associated with the first mobile computing device, the second output signal, wherein the output of the second output signal causes the second set of haptic actuators to generate a fourth force to be felt by the first user.
 15. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors of a first mobile computing device, cause the first mobile computing device to perform operations comprising: receiving a first input signal from a first set of pressure sensors associated with the first mobile computing device, the first input signal having been generated by the first set of pressure sensors in response to a first force applied by a first user; and transmitting, to a second mobile computing device, the first input signal, wherein receipt of the first input signal causes the second mobile computing device to generate and output a first output signal based on the first input signal, and wherein the output of the first output signal causes a first set of haptic actuators associated with the second mobile computing device to generate a second force to be felt by a second user.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first set of pressure sensors comprises one or more external, standalone pressure sensors configured to: (i) receive a squeeze input from the first user, and (ii) generate the first input signal in response to the squeeze input, wherein the one or more external standalone pressure sensors are configured to communicate with the first mobile computing device via a short-range wireless communication medium.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first set of pressure sensors comprises a set of integrated pressure sensors that are either (i) attached an exterior surface of the first mobile computing device or (ii) integrated in the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device, and are (a) each configured to receive a squeeze input from the first user and (b) collectively configured to generate the input signal in response to the squeeze input.
 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the set of integrated pressure sensors comprise a plurality of integrated pressure sensors arranged about the exterior surface of the first mobile computing device.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first set of actuators comprises either (i) a set of vibrators integrated in the second mobile device or (ii) one or more piezoelectric actuators separate from the set of vibrators integrated in the second mobile device.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, from the second mobile computing device, a second input signal, the second input signal having been received at the second mobile computing device from a second set of pressure sensors associated with the second mobile computing device in response to a third force applied by the second user; generating a second output signal based on the second input signal; and outputting, to a second set of haptic actuators associated with the first mobile computing device, the second output signal, wherein the output of the second output signal causes the second set of haptic actuators to generate a fourth force to be felt by the first user. 